Question 12
Work, Energy and PowerA 0.05 kg bullet travelling at 500 m s−1 horizontally strikes a thick vertical wall. It stops after penetrating through the wall a horizontal distance of 0.25 m. What is the magnitude of the average force the wall exerts on the bullet?
- A.25 N
- B.50 N
- C.250 N
- D.5000 N
- E.25 000 N
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: E (25 000 N)
Explanation
The wall's force does work equal to the bullet's kinetic energy: F × 0.25 = ½ × 0.05 × 500² = 6250 J, so F = 25 000 N.